Senate Votes to Reverse Net Neutrality Rollback

A resolution to restore the FCC's net neutrality rules passed the Senate on Wednesday. The bill has little chance of advancing in the House but offers net neutrality supporters and Democrats a political rallying point for the midterm elections.

"Today is a monumental day," said Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., during debate over the resolution. "Today we show the American people who sides with them, and who sides with the powerful special interests and corporate donors who are thriving under this administration."

If successful, the legislative gambit could restore the agency's regulations and hand a victory to tech companies, activists and consumer advocacy groups. But major hurdles still face supporters of net neutrality, the principle that ISPs should give consumers access to all legal content and applications on an equal basis, not favoring some sources or blocking others.

Critics of the FCC rollback say they're worried about consumers being forced to pay more for less consistent or slower service. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, part of the Republican majority, has said the Obama rule was "heavy-handed" and isn't needed.